Choosing Your Location
In real estate, location is everything and depending on what your personal preferences are, you should expect the costs of properties to change based on location, even when all other features and factors are similar.
For example, if you choose to live just outside of a city zone, a property of the same age and size could be as much as € 50,000 cheaper than a property inside of a city zone.
You will also want to consider what is available in different areas, based on what is most important to you. Are there grocery stores local to the neighborhoods you are evaluating? Are there late night conveniences? Entertainment? Doctors? Schools?
All of these factors will influence your decision to buy within certain areas, and if you have small children, you’ll also want to consider the quality of the schools in the same way that if you require regular medical treatment, you’ll want to make sure that there are medical facilities near your home.
For many home-buyers, location is the most important component when choosing a property and it’s also the key factor in which they spend the most time evaluating. You want the conveniences that are of most importance to you!
If you are considering purchasing a property outside of a city zone based on the savings, you’ll also want to make sure that the lower property rate is justified based on the costs to commute.
On the other hand, if you are interested in living within city limits, you will want to pay attention to additional costs and factors such as property tax (in the Netherlands different in each and every municipality), sewage tax/costs, pet restrictions and any by-laws that you may be affected by.
If all this sounds too complicated, especially the first few times buying a home, we can understand that. All the documents are in Dutch. On top of that you’d need a translator at the actual deed at the Notary. We, at Stark Real Estate are experts, and can offer you the service of a “direct purchase”. That means that you choose the property and we are advising you and negotiating the price and condition for you. We do everything for you and will walk you over the threshold of your new home.
For Stark Real Estate, Karola Grünenbaum
Author of “THE HAGUE, HOUSES AND HAPPINESS”
7 Insider Secrets To Buy Your Next Home At A Great Price Without Hassles